I am a retired accountant and have been a Freemason for 41 years. As Hon Treasurer to two Lodges I have a commitment to serving the charitable aims and objectives of this organisation and provide financial guidance and advice to the brethren in their consideration of worthy causes.

After 12 years I was invited to become Chairman of a local residents group based in east London where I have lived for nearly 50 years. With their support I changed our legal structure to a registered charity focused on improving our locality, initially by raising funds to build a new Community Centre for the use of local community groups. With the support of my three fellow Trustees we raised the necessary funds to lease and fit out a new 'shell' premises which was opened in 2013 by our local Mayo. We charge local groups a nominal rental to cover the overheads, without any cost to our local authority. The management of this facility takes up a considerable amount of my (and my wife's) time, as we have no paid employees and where necessary utilise two willing local volunteers. Alas, two of my fellow Trustees have passed in the last four years so the onus is on me to maintain this necessary service.

My original purpose in acquiring my two manorial titles was to provide our two children and their spouses with an unusual and exceptional legacy which links to the paternal side of my family - my grandfather and grandmother were born in the (current) county of Cumbria - one in Barrow-in-Furness and the other in Cartmel. Upper and Lower Stannerleys were adjoining areas in the 14th century not far from both and, should time and circumstance permit, I intend to research more of their history. I have a current attachment to Cumbria through an adopted disabled niece, whom I visit regularly.

As our society and environment change, at an ever-increasing speed, we should not sit on our achievements.

We must strive to be good neighbours and honourable citizens, giving without detriment to others or connections.

It is thus that we will earn that most precious of all achievements from our fellow man.

Live respected and die without regret.

I am a retired accountant and have been a Freemason for 41 years. As Hon Treasurer to two Lodges I have a commitment to serving the charitable aims and objectives of this organisation and provide financial guidance and advice to the brethren in their consideration of worthy causes.

12 years I was invited to become involved, as Chairman, of a local residents group based in east London where I have lived for nearly 50 years.. With their support I changed our legal structure to a registered charity focussed on improving our locality, initia;lly by raising funds to build a new Community Centre for the use of local community groups. With the support of my three fellow Trustees we raised the necessary funds to lease and fit out new 'shell' premises which were opened in .2013 by our local Mayor, charging local groups a nominal rental to cover the overheads, without any cost to our local authority. The management of this facility takes up a considerable amount of my (and my wife's) time, as we have no paid employees and where necessary utilise two willing local volunteers. Alas, two of my fellow Trustees have passed in the last four years so the onus is on me to maintain this necessary service.
My original purpose in acquiring my two manorial titles was to provide our two children and their spouses with an unusual and exceptional legacy which links to the paternal side of my family - my grandfather and grandmother were born in the (current) county of Cumbria - one in Barrow-in-Furness and the other in Cartmel. Upper and Lower Stannerleys were adjoining areas in the 14th century not far from both and, should time and circumstance permit, i intend to research more of their history. I have a current attachment to Cumbria through an adopted disabled niece, whom I visit regularly.